Swāmī Samartha of Akkalkoṭ
19th century · Akkalkoṭ, Maharashtra · Datta tradition
Swāmī Samartha was an ascetic who appeared at Akkalkoṭ, near Solapur, in the mid-19th century and lived there until his passing in 1878. His origins are unknown; his devotees revere him as a form of Dattātreya and many believe him to be Nṛsiṃha Sarasvatī come again.
He spoke little and in riddles, and is remembered for his blunt kindness. His assurance to devotees — “Bhiū nakos, mī tujhyā pāṭhīśī āhe” (“Do not fear, I am behind you”) — is written in homes and shrines across Maharashtra. Many maṭhas carry on his worship.
Akkalkoṭ · Samādhi 1878 · “Bhiū nakos…”